Best actinic addition for 10k MH for the $$$?

[FloridaFishMan]

Hi,
Just want to see what the most cost effective way of adding the actinic light to a 10k MH. Which do you think is the most cost effective (energy consumed vs bulb life vs bulb cost)?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[Andrew]

This would be good. Two vhos would be sweet.

http://www.hellolights.com/22elarovhoba.html

 

[FloridaFishMan]

Thanks Andrew.

 

[fish1219]

T5 HO's are the most cost effective. On a 4' tank VHOs are 110watts each. T5 HOs are 54 Watts. Also T5 lamps last longer if not overdriven. If you are looking for color URI's VHO atinics are the best. So you have a trade off.
For VHOs
Hellolights has a 2 lamp ballast for (ARO AS-220) for $35 (sale).
For T5 HOs
Contact reefgeek (www.reefgeek.com). He has ICECAPs new economy ballast for T5 HOs.

 

[MiddletonMark]

Cost: T-5's [light/power use... get good reflectors!]

Visually: VHO

Don't even think about PC, IMO/IME. Little usable light, shorter bulb life, less pleasing `actinic' bulbs, and less `punch' to offset the 10k color [if that's what you're looking for].

Opinion ... mileage may vary.

 

[FloridaFishMan]

I am looking to offset the 10k. Middleton can you explain more on the t-5's vs the VHO's as far as cost goes? VHOs seem to be the way to go. They seem faily cheap as far as bulbs go.

Is that hellolights sale a deal that I should jump on? How much actinic substitution will I need for a 120gal (48x24x24) If I plan on having 2x250 10k MH on it (do I need 2x48" or 4x48")?
thanks,
Chris